05; p = 0 84), log(ANC) nadir (beta = -0 03; 95% CI, -0 10 to 0 0

05; p = 0.84), log(ANC) nadir (beta = -0.03; 95% CI, -0.10 to 0.04; p = 0.40), hemoglobin

nadir (beta = -0.09; 95% CI, -0.31 to 0.14; p = 0.452), or platelet nadir (beta = -3.47; 95% CI, -10.44 to 3.50; p = 0.339).\n\nConclusions: Irradiation of BM subregions with higher F-18-FDG-PET activity was associated with hematologic toxicity, supporting the hypothesis that reducing dose to BMACT subregions could mitigate hematologic toxicity. Future investigation should seek to confirm these findings and to identify optimal SUV thresholds to define BMACT. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc.”
“Purpose: To determine whether optical imaging can be used for in vivo therapy response monitoring as an alternative to radionuclide techniques. For this, we evaluated the known Her2 response to 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin hydrochloride (17-DMAG) 3-deazaneplanocin A research buy treatment, an Hsp90 inhibitor.\n\nExperimental Design: After in vitro 17-DMAG treatment response evaluation of MCF7 parental cells and 2 HER2-transfected

clones (clone A medium, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Library nmr B high Her2 expression), we established human breast cancer xenografts in nude mice (only parental and clone B) for in vivo evaluation. Mice received 120 mg/kg of 17-DMAG in 4 doses at 12-hour intervals intraperitonially (n = 14) or PBS as carrier control (n = 9). Optical images were obtained both pretreatment (day 0) and posttreatment (day 3, 6, and 9), always 5 hours postinjection of 500 pmol of anti-Her2 Affibody-AlexaFluor680 via tail vein (with preinjection background subtraction). Days 3 and 9 in vivo optical imaging signal was further correlated with ex vivo Her2 levels by Western blot after sacrifice.\n\nResults: Her2 expression decreased with 17-DMAG dose in vitro. In vivo optical imaging signal was reduced by 22.5% in clone B (P = 0.003) and by 9% in MCF7 parental tumors (P = 0.23) 3 days after 17-DMAG treatment; optical imaging signal recovered in both tumor types at

days 6 to 9. In the carrier group, no signal reduction was observed. Pearson correlation of in vivo optical imaging Mcl-1 apoptosis signal with ex vivo Her2 levels ranged from 0.73 to 0.89.\n\nConclusions: Optical imaging with an affibody can be used to noninvasively monitor changes in Her2 expression in vivo as a response to treatment with an Hsp90 inhibitor, with results similar to response measurements in positron emission tomography imaging studies. Clin Cancer Res; 18(4); 1073-81. (C)2012 AACR.”
“Introduction: Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is probably the most potent biological toxin that can affect humans. Since its discovery by Justinus Kerner, BoNT has seen use in a wide range of cosmetic and non-cosmetic conditions such as cervical dystonia, cerebral palsy, migraines and hyperhidrosis. We tried to trace its history from its inception to its recent urological applications. Materials and Methods: Historical articles about botulinum toxin were reviewed and a Medline search was performed for its urological utility.

In order to study the molecular aspect of the formation of this p

In order to study the molecular aspect of the formation of this product we have characterized the structure and function of xlLTA4H. We solved

the structure of xlLTA4H to a resolution of 2.3 angstrom. It is a dimeric structure where each monomer has three domains with the active site in between the domains, similar as to the human structure. An important CH5183284 difference between the human and amphibian enzyme is the phenylalanine to tyrosine exchange at position 375. Our studies show that mutating F375 in xlLTA4H to tyrosine abolishes the formation of the LTB4 isomeric product Delta(6)-trans Delta(8)-cis-LTB4. In an attempt to understand how one amino acid exchange leads to a new product profile as seen in the xlLTA4H, we performed a conformer analysis of the triene part of the substrate LTA4. Our results show that the Boltzmann distribution of substrate conformers correlates with the observed distribution of products. We suggest that the observed selleck inhibitor difference in product profile between the human and the xlLTA4H arises from different level of discrimination

between substrate LTA4 conformers. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.”
“The objective of this study was to compare the prognosis and complications between selective neck dissection (SND) and comprehensive neck dissection (CND) for patients with a pathologically node-positive neck in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. This was a retrospective cohort study. There was no significant difference between the SND group Selleckchem Lazertinib and the CND group in 3-year neck control rate (86.2% vs. 85.9%, P = 0.797) or disease-specific survival (DSS) rate (64.6% vs. 61.9%, P = 0.646). Further analyses of the respective 3-year DSS rates in the SND and CND subgroups were as follows: pN1 without extracapsular spread (ECS), 67.7% vs. 72.2%, P = 0.851; pN2b without ECS, 64.7% vs. 68.8%, P = 0.797; and pN+ with ECS, 57.1% vs. 60.0%, P = 0.939. Of note,

there were significantly fewer complications in the SND group compared with the CND group (7.3% vs. 20.0%, P = 0.032). Multivariate analysis showed that the modality of neck treatment, pN+ status, and microscopic ECS did not serve as independent prognostic factors. SND plus adjuvant radiotherapy is a management strategy of high efficiency and minor morbidity for selected oral cancer patients with a pN+ neck with or without microscopic ECS.”
“Purpose: To determine the socioeconomic impact of long-term glaucoma therapy. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty consecutive glaucoma patients on medical therapy, following up at our glaucoma service for at least 6 months were recruited. A questionnaire regarding monthly income, cost of glaucoma medications prescribed, availability of medications, travel time, time spent in review clinics, compliance, education status, medical insurance and systemic or local side-effects was administered.

02-24 41; = 0 047] and use of continuous renal replacement therap

02-24.41; = 0.047] and use of continuous renal replacement therapy (OR 4.2; 95 % CI 1.13-15.59; = 0.032).”
“The

integrated selective enrichment target is a microfluidic platform for SPE sample preparation with integrated nanocolumns, AZD9291 price which simultaneously offers direct MALDI MS read-out. Here, we present a study on the importance of different nanocolumn outlet hole geometries and hole areas in relation to MS signal intensity and reproducibility. A design solution that provides the flow characteristics required for robust sample preparation using automated liquid handling is reported.”
“Background: For proven gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, partial fundoplication is considered as effective as Nissen, but with fewer side effects. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the effect of laparoscopic partial fundoplication (LPF) with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF).\n\nMethods: Extensive medical literature searches of the PubMed, Medline and Embase databases were performed up to April 2010 for all randomized clinical trials that compared LPF versus LNF. The effect variables analysed were the incidence of post-operative

dysphagia, heartburn, inability to belch, outcome or satisfaction and Visick score. Meta-analyses were carried out using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval.\n\nResults: Thirteen randomized trials were considered suitable for the meta-analysis. A total of MK-1775 cost 1374 patients underwent LPF or LNF. There was a significant reduction of the incidence of post-operative dysphagia (OR = 0.44, P < 0.0001) and inability to belch (OR = 0.41, P < 0.005) for the LPF compared to that of the LNF group. Compared with LPF, LNF resulted in a significant reduction of the incidence of post-operative heartburn (OR = 1.94, P < 0.01). The outcome or satisfaction of patients and Visick I and II scores were comparable between the two groups.\n\nConclusion: Both LPF and LNF are effective NVP-BSK805 for the treatment of proven gastrooesophageal reflux disease. LPF enables

a decreased post-operative dysphagia and gas-related side effects, while LNF is more successful in controlling reflux symptoms, particularly heartburn, than LPF. A balance should be found between anti-reflux and side effects.”
“All organisms have to adapt to acute as well as to regularly occurring changes in the environment. To deal with these major challenges organisms evolved two fundamental mechanisms: the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, a major stress pathway for signaling stressful events, and circadian clocks to prepare for the daily environmental changes. Both systems respond sensitively to light. Recent studies in vertebrates and fungi indicate that p38 is involved in light-signaling to the circadian clock providing an interesting link between stress-induced and regularly rhythmic adaptations of animals to the environment, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms remained largely unknown.

Pigs were randomized to receive a mandibular block with

e

Pigs were randomized to receive a mandibular block with

either bupivacaine (bupivacaine selleck chemicals llc group) or saline (control group). A nerve stimulator was used for administration of the block with observation of masseter muscle twitch to indicate the injection site. Invasive BP and HR were measured with the aid of an arterial catheter in eight pigs. A rescue analgesic protocol consisting of fentanyl and lidocaine was administered if HR or BP values increased 20% from baseline. Postoperative pain was quantified with a customized ethogram. HR and BP were evaluated at base line, pre-rescue, 10 and 20 min post-rescue. Results: Pre-rescue mean BP was significantly increased (p = .001) for the bupivacaine group. Mean intraoperative HR was significantly lower (p = .044) in the bupivacaine versus saline S63845 group. All other parameters were not significant. Conclusion: Addition of a mandibular nerve block to the anesthetic regimen in the miniature pig

condylectomy model may improve variations in intraoperative BP and HR. This study establishes the foundation for future studies with larger animal numbers to confirm these preliminary findings.”
“Object. The authors prospectively studied the occurrence of clinical and nonclinical electroencephalographically verified seizures during treatment with an intracranial pressure (ICP)-targeted protocol in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).\n\nMethods. All patients treated for TBI at the Department of Neurosurgery, University

Hospital Umea, Sweden, were eligible for the stud. The inclusion was consecutive and based on the availability of the electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring equipment. Patients were included irrespective of pupil size, pupil reaction, or level of consciousness as long as their first measured cerebral perfusion pressure was > 10 mm Hg. The patients were treated in a protocol-guided manner with an ICP-targeted treatment based on the Lund concept. The patients were continuously sedated with midazolam, fentanyl, propofol, or thiopental, or combinations thereof. Five-lead continuous EEG monitoring was performed with the electrodes at F3, F4, P3, P4, and a midline reference. Sensitivity was set at 100 mu V per cm and filter settings 0.5-70 Hz. Amplitude-integrated EEG recording and relative band power trends were displayed. The trends were analyzed offline by trained clinical neurophysiologists.\n\nResults. Tariquidar manufacturer Forty-seven patients (mean age 40 years) were studied. Their median Glasgow Coma Scale score at the time of sedation and intubation was 6 (range 3-15). In 8.5% of the patients clinical seizures were observed before sedation and intubation. Continuous EEG monitoring was performed for a total of 7334 hours. During this time neither EEG nor clinical seizures were observed.\n\nConclusions. Our protocol-guided ICP targeted treatment seems to protect patients with severe TBI from clinical and subclinical seizures and thus reduces the risk of secondary brain injury. (DOI: 10.


“Background: New bone metabolic markers have become availa


“Background: New bone metabolic markers have become available clinically for evaluating chronic kidney disease mineral and

bone disorders (CKD-MBD). The aim of this study was to correlate these new bone metabolic markers with conventional markers in regular hemodialysis (HD) patients.\n\nMethods: One hundred forty three HD patients underwent cross-sectional assessment. Two bone formation markers, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and osteocalcin (OC), and one bone resorption this website marker, amino-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTx), were selected for study.\n\nResults: Both circulating OC and NTx levels showed positive correlations with serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels. The e levels of NTx and OC showed a strongly positive correlation, although they are known to be markers of different aspects of bone metabolism: bone formation and resorption. Patients with high iPTH (>= 300pg/mL) had significantly higher levels of all the three bone markers compared with patients with low or normal iPTH.\n\nConclusion: Serum OC and NTx levels may be useful markers of serum iPTH levels for evaluating bone turnover in HD patients and may eventually prove ABT-737 datasheet useful in the management of patients with CKD-MBD.”
“The present-day genetic code, while universal, is not the result of a “frozen accident”, but has evolved over

time. Analysis of amino-acid frequency has recently identified amino acids that were recruited early and late into the genetic code. We use this observation to lend support to a hypothesis that the current quaternary Anlotinib supplier triplet genetic code comes from an earlier quaternary

doublet code, and before that from a binary singlet code.”
“Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is one of the most common causes of community-acquired pneumonia in children and young adults. Although MP sometimes causes self-limiting pneumonia, severe and fulminant cases with hypoxia occur, but their clinical features have rarely been reported. This study aimed to reveal the clinical manifestations, risk factors, and treatment of fulminant MP pneumonia (MPP). Using PubMed and abstracts from the proceedings of several domestic Japanese academic societies, we reviewed the Japanese and English literature for cases of fulminant or severe MPP reported in Japan. All clinical information such as sex, age, underlying diseases, clinical symptoms, clinical course, laboratory and radiological findings, and treatment was collected and analyzed. In total, 52 fulminant MPP cases were reported between September, 1979 and February, 2010. The dominant population of fulminant MPP was young adults without severe underlying diseases. Cough (97.3%), fever (100.0%), and dyspnea (83.3%) with diffuse abnormal findings in radiological examinations were noted. Antibiotics without anti-mycoplasmal activity were used in 32 cases (61.

respectivelyConclusion: A successful vaccination program can

respectively\n\nConclusion: A successful vaccination program can be mounted with a vulnerable population We consider a clinic with a well-established history of Dibutyryl-cAMP acceptance and utilisation by

the target group, a low staff turnover and regular clientele, inclusion of vaccination as part of routine client care, and counselling (part of pre- and postserological testing) essential components in achieving good vaccination completion rates”
“The structural landscape of acid-pyridine cocrystals is explored by adopting a combinatorial matrix method with 4-substituted benzoic acids and 4-substituted pyridines. The choice of the system restricts the primary synthon to the robust acid-pyridine entity. This methodology accordingly provides hints toward the formation of secondary synthons. The pK(a) rule is validated in the landscape by taking all components of the matrix together and exploring it as a whole. Along with the global features, the exploration

of landscapes reveals some local features. Apart from the identification of secondary synthons, it also sheds light on the propensity SB202190 clinical trial of hydration in cocrystals, synthon competition, and certain topological similarities. The method described here combines two approaches, namely, database analysis and high throughput crystallography, to extract more information with minimal extra experimental effort.”
“Pichia pastoris is a successful system for expressing heterologous proteins and its fermentation pH is always maintained below 7.0. However, particular proteins are unstable under acidic conditions, such as methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT), and thus fermentation under acidic pH conditions is unsuitable because protein activity BKM120 solubility dmso is lost owing to

denaturation. Here, a strategy employing alkaline pH in the late fermentation period was developed to improve MAT production. Initially, P. pastoris KM71 was transformed with the mat gene to overexpress MAT. After 72 h of in vitro incubation at different pH values, the expressed MAT displayed highest stability at pH 8.0; however, pH 8.0 inhibited cell growth and induced cell rupture, thus affecting protein production. To balance MAT stability and Pichia cell viability, different pH control strategies were compared. In strategy A (reference), the induction pH was maintained at 6.0, whereas in strategy B, it was gradually elevated to 8.0 through a 25 h transition period (80 similar to 105 h). MAT activity was 0.86 U/mg (twofold higher than the control). However, MAT content was reduced by 50% when compared with strategy A, because of proteases released upon cell lysis.

59, P < 0 0001) This assay could be used in screening and mon

59, P < 0.0001). This assay could be used in screening and monitoring individuals on therapy, showing no genotype-dependent PCI-34051 manufacturer differences in detection. (c) 2008

Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“The aim of the work is to study the mechanisms of the interaction of risperidone with human and bovine serum albumins using the fluorescence quenching technique. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat many psychiatric disorders. We selectively excited the fluorescence of tryptophan residues with a 290 nm wavelength light, and observed quenching by titrating human and bovine serum albumin solutions with risperidone. Emission spectra were recorded in the range from 300 to 450 nm for each quencher addition. Stern-Volmer see more graphs were plotted and quenching constants were estimated. Results showed that the drug quenches the fluorescence of the human serum albumin by the formation of a complex risperidone-albumin. Association constants calculated from Stern-Volmer equation for low concentrations (lower than 1:10 ratio risperidone/albumin) were of 2.56 x 10(5) M-1, at 25 degrees C, and 1.43 x 10(5) M-1, at 37

degrees C. As the quenching intensity of bovine serum albumin, which contains two tryptophan residues, was found to be higher than that of human serum albumin, which contains only one tryptophan residue. Hence, we suggest that the primary binding site for risperidone in albumin should be located in sub domain IB. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Light exerts a direct effect on sleep and wakefulness in nocturnal and diurnal animals, with a light pulse during the dark phase suppressing locomotor activity and promoting sleep in the former. In the present study, we investigated this direct effect of light on various sleep parameters by exposing mice to a broad range of illuminances (0.2-200W/cm2;

equivalent to 1-1000lux) for 1h during the dark phase SB273005 order (zeitgeber time 13-14). Fitting the data with a three-parameter log model indicated that approximate to 0.1W/cm2 can generate half the sleep response observed at 200W/cm2. We observed decreases in total sleep time during the 1h following the end of the light pulse. Light reduced the latency to sleep from similar to 30min in darkness (baseline) to similar to 10min at the highest intensity, although this effect was invariant across the light intensities used. We then assessed the role of melanopsin during the rapid transition from wakefulness to sleep at the onset of a light pulse and the maintenance of sleep with a 6-h 20W/cm2 light pulse. Even though the melanopsin knockout mice had robust induction of sleep (similar to 35min) during the first hour of the pulse, it was not maintained. Total sleep decreased by almost 65% by the third hour in comparison with the first hour of the pulse in mice lacking melanopsin, whereas only an 8% decrease was observed in wild-type mice.

This study has reviewed previous studies on the two better known

This study has reviewed previous studies on the two better known flavonoids, genistein and icariin, their structures, Blebbistatin supplier functions, action mechanisms, relative potency, and potential application in regulating bone remodeling and preventing bone loss. Genistein, an isoflavone abundant in soy, has dual functions on bone cells, able to inhibit bone

resorption activity of osteoclasts and stimulate osteogenic differentiation and maturation of bone marrow stromal progenitor cells (BMSCs) and osteoblasts. Genistein is an estrogen receptor (ER)-selective binding phytoestrogen, with a greater affinity to ER beta. Genistein inhibits tyrosine kinases and inhibits DNA topoisomerases I and II, and may act as an antioxidant. Genistein enhances osteoblastic differentiation

and maturation by activation of ER, p38MAPK-Runx2, and NO/cGMP pathways, and it inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption through inducing osteoclastogenic inhibitor osteoprotegerin (OPG) and blocking ROCK inhibitor NF-?B signaling. Icariin, a prenylated flavonol glycoside isolated from Epimedium herb, stimulates osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and inhibits bone resorption activity of osteoclasts. Icariin, whose metabolites include icariside I, icariside II, icaritin, and desmethylicaritin, has no estrogenic activity. However, icariin is more potent than genistein in promoting osteogenic differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts. The existence of a prenyl group on C-8 of icariin molecular structure has been suggested to be the reason why icariin is more potent than genistein in osteogenic activity. Thus, the prenylflavonoids may represent a class of flavonoids with a higher osteogenic activity. J. Cell. Physiol.

228: 513521, 2013. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.”
“P>Imbalances in brain cholesterol homeostasis have been observed in several neurodegenerative diseases. In Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) disease, mutations in NPC1 or NPC2 lead to endosomal cholesterol accumulation, neuronal dysfunction and death. Cholesterol in synaptic plasma membranes influences membrane fluidity, curvature, and protein function, and its depletion may adversely affect synaptic Thiazovivin cost vesicle cycling. We have investigated pre-synaptic function in primary hippocampal neurons with altered cholesterol distribution because of NPC1 deficiency or cyclodextrin treatment. In NPC1-deficient neurons grown in serum-free medium, plasma membrane cholesterol was reduced and total synaptic vesicle release during prolonged stimulation was attenuated. In NPC1-deficient neurons cultured in the presence of high-density lipoproteins, plasma membrane cholesterol markedly increased, but the defects in synaptic vesicle release in NPC1-deficient neurons were exacerbated.

Comparison of the volatile profile produced by an engineered muta

Comparison of the volatile profile produced by an engineered mutant impaired in quorum-sensing (QS) signalling with the corresponding wild-type led to the conclusion that QS is not involved in the regulation of volatile production in B. CH5183284 ambifaria LMG strain 19182.”
“Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. In Germany, the number of affected subjects is projected at one million people [1]. In pursuance of

statistical calculations, approximately every fourth person over 40 years of age will stiffer from at least one episode of atrial fibrillation during his or her life [2]. Changes in the age structure of our population allow the assumption that the number of concerned people is going to be doubled, maybe tripled, in the next 30 years due to an increase of atrial fibrillation-favouring diseases. In many cases the occurrence of atrial fibrillation is combined with no or only few symptoms, in these cases the disease is often not diagnosed until complications like stroke appear. Nevertheless, many people show CX-6258 mw characteristic symptoms like tachycardia, palpitations, dyspnoea or thoracic ailments [3]. In the populations

under investigation, atrial fibrillation leads to a significant increase in mortality and morbidity. Large epidemiological investigations provide evidence that the increase in mortality is doubled [4,5], findings which were confirmed in large atrial fibrillation trials. Between 25 and 33% PXD101 ic50 of all strokes are caused by atrial fibrillation, therefore, this disease is the most important risk factor for the occurrence of ischaemic strokes. In addition, strokes caused by atrial fibrillation are often more severe with a higher number of deaths or irreversible organic damage than strokes caused by other aetiologies [6-9]. These findings suggest that both tools for

an improved screening, especially in high-risk patients, and guideline-adapted optimal antithrombotic. therapies are needed. This article summarises new developments in diagnostics of atrial fibrillation and the key statements of the recently released ESC guidelines [10].”
“Leprosy has a predilection for peripheral nerves and is not considered to involve the CNS. The idea that the CNS is exempt from Mycobacterium leprae bacilli has been suspected from a clinical perspective or CSF study in leprosy patients. However, there has been no direct evidence for CNS involvement by leprosy in a living patient. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present case is the first report providing histopathological and molecular evidence for CNS involvement by leprosy in a living patient. Brain MRI revealed a 2-cm cystic lesion in the right frontal lobe of the patient. The medical history revealed that the patient had been receiving multidrug therapy for borderline lepromatous leprosy. Neuronavigation-guided craniotomy and lesion removal were performed due to a presumptive diagnosis of low-grade glioma.

This can impair DNA stability and viability of tumor stromal cell

This can impair DNA stability and viability of tumor stromal cells, undermine homeostatic capacity of tumor microenvironment and facilitate tumor progression.”
“The hemodialysis vascular access surveillance ALK inhibitor review controversy provides

a case study of how enthusiasm for a new test or treatment can lead to adoption of a false paradigm. Paradigms are the beliefs and assumptions shared by those in a field of knowledge, and are commonly included in clinical practice guidelines. The guidelines of the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative recommend that arteriovenous vascular accesses undergo routine surveillance for detection and correction of stenosis. This recommendation is based on the paradigm that surveillance of access blood flow

or dialysis venous pressure combined with correction of stenosis improves access outcomes. However, the quality ABT-263 ic50 of evidence that supports this paradigm has been widely criticized. We tested the validity of the surveillance paradigm by applying World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for evaluating screening tests to a literature review of published vascular access studies. These criteria include four components: undesired condition, screening test, intervention, and desired outcome. The WHO criteria show that surveillance as currently practiced fails all four components and provides little or no significant benefit, suggesting that surveillance is a false paradigm. Once a paradigm is established, however, challenges to its validity are usually resisted even as new evidence indicates the paradigm is not valid. Thus, it is paramount to apply rigorous criteria when developing guidelines. Regulators may help promote needed changes in paradigms when cost and safety considerations coincide.”
“Depression and negative symptoms can be difficult to distinguish in schizophrenia. Assessments for negative symptoms usually account for this website the longitudinal nature of these symptoms, whereas instruments available to measure depression mainly assess current or recent symptoms. This construct difference may confound comparison of depressive and

negative symptoms in schizophrenia because both domains may have trait-like aspects. We developed an instrument to measure both longitudinal “trait” as well as recent “state” symptoms of depression and tested this instrument (Maryland Trait and State Depression [MTSD] scale) in a sample of 98 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 115 community participants without psychotic illness. Exploratory factor analysis of the MTSD revealed 2 factors accounting for 73.4% of the variance; these 2 factors corresponded with “trait” and “state” depression inventory items. Neither MTSD-state nor MTSD-trait was correlated with negative symptoms as measured with the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (r =.07 and -.06, respectively) in schizophrenia patients.